Erosion control apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an erosion control apparatus and methods of using and installing the apparatus. The apparatus is constructed to prevent erosion of soil during typical weather or tidal conditions and adverse weather events. The apparatus can include a plurality of anchored rolls and soil lifts operative to stabilize the shoreline.

This application claims the benefit of provisional application No.62/721,765, filed Aug. 23, 2018, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/908,497, filed Feb. 28, 2018, which is acontinuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US2017/049717,filed on Aug. 31, 2017, and this application is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/329,728, filed on Feb. 28, 2019,which is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 national stage filing of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2017/049717 that is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/253,464, filed on Aug. 31, 2016, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,125,462, the entire contents of each of these applicationsbeing incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, conventional, or “hard engineering” structures have beenused to defend against erosion from adjacent water courses or waterbodies. While effective, these techniques have proven to haveconsiderable undesirable physical impacts of increasing erosion toadjacent land forms or other “down-stream” natural resources. This isprimarily due to the hardness of these structures which reflect and/ortransmit the energy contained in waves, currents, and scour from movingwater onto the nearby landforms which have not been “hardened” throughthe installation of structural elements. The reflection of waves,currents, and scour results in increased erosion of adjacent resourcessuch as beaches, tidal areas, subsurface features immersed in water,river courses, lakebeds, and important upland land features which oftenprotect other structures such as homes, roadways, and utilities.

To address damage to adjacent resources, many regulatory agencies,environmental advocacy organizations, and environmental contractors haveembraced bioengineering and the “Living Shoreline” approach, which isnow a nationally-known campaign by the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) in the United States of America. In some USstates, state wetland regulations prohibit the use of conventional hardengineering structures to protect structures on properties. In theseinstances, “soft”, bioengineering measures such as those promoted by theNOAA Living Shoreline program are the only alternatives available forcoastal property owners. Unfortunately, bioengineering measures promotedby the Living Shorelines program are not robust or structurally soundenough to defend against erosion in portions of the shoreline which areexposed to higher intensity storms such as oceanfront areas, coastalbays, larger estuaries, larger rivers, and lakes.

Conventional, environmentally friendly bioengineering approaches forstabilizing the base of landforms along exposed shorelines can providestructural integrity at the toe of landforms near the shoreline in orderto stabilize these landforms. While these approaches are all somewhateffective at stabilizing exposed landforms, they are generally believedto have much lower success when used along ocean fronting land forms,within larger estuaries, larger rivers, and along the shorelines oflarger lakes. It is important to note that an effective and reliablestrategy for soft bioengineering methodology presently does not existfor most of the oceanfront, larger estuaries, larger rivers, and alongthe shorelines of larger lakes. Therefore, the owners of real estatemust rely on conventional hard engineering structures, which typicallyexacerbate shoreline erosion in nearby locations or must rely onsubstandard soft engineering alternatives which are not robust enoughfor the given site conditions and level of exposure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the problems of conventionalbioengineering installations by providing an erosion control apparatusand methods of installing same. Fiber rolls and fabric encapsulated soil(FES) lifts are combined in anchored configurations together withsynthetic mesh netting, to create bioengineered installations withgreater durability, greater resistance to storm, sea and water erosion,and corresponding longer useful life, lengthening repair cycles andfacilitating the repair process.

In some embodiments, an erosion control apparatus comprises a pluralityof fiber rolls, wherein the rolls are arranged relative to a contour ofa shoreline; a plurality of anchors coupled to the fiber rolls, theanchors inserted at a depth through the apparatus; a plurality of soillifts comprising fiber, the soil lifts are connected to the fiber rolls.A mesh can comprise a layer contacting the soil lifts, wherein theanchors pass through the mesh and the soil lifts and optionally enterthe soil underneath the apparatus. This operates to distribute theanchoring force across the system. The fiber rolls are situated directlyover a plurality of anchors at different levels of the system so thatcoupling of the system elements causes compression and loading of theanchor system. Thus, the weight of the entire system serves to aid inthe retention of the anchor placements.

The plurality of fiber rolls can comprise a coir fiber and can be eitherhigh density or low density. In an embodiment, the plurality of anchorsare duckbill anchors. The anchors can be spaced at intervals across eachfiber roll to distribute loading across the structure. Each anchor caninclude a cable or rod connected to an anchor point surface sized tosupport an overlying cone of material. In an embodiment, the intervalsrange from twenty-four inches to thirty inches, for example. In anembodiment, the anchors can be inserted at a depth of at least forty-twoinches below a slope or grade of the apparatus and can provide at leastthree thousand pounds of holding force at each insertion point. Theanchors preferably extend at an angle that is orthogonal to the plane ofthe rolls. However, certain embodiments can be configured such that theanchors extend at an angle that is within 45 degrees of the orthogonaldirection, or preferably within 30 degrees of the orthogonal directionfrom the plane of the rolls.

The soil lifts can comprise at least one layer of coir fabric and may beconfigured to retain sediment. In some embodiments, the sediment iscompacted and can have a depth of at least twelve inches. In someembodiment, the mesh contacting the soil lifts comprises polypropylene,polyethylene, or similar synthetic material. In other embodiments, themesh comprises coir fiber.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least a firsttrench at a highest end of the apparatus. In further embodiments, theapparatus further comprises a second trench located at a lowest end ofthe apparatus. Each trench can be backfilled with sand or soil. In someembodiments, the first trench and the second trench are at least sixinches wide and at least six inches deep. In some embodiments, eachtrench is covered with sand or soil.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises plant material onor with at least one fiber roll. The mesh may cover at least one of thefiber rolls. Additional lifts may be added over time to the apparatus byconstructing more soil lifts on the top or side of the rolls. In someembodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one erosioncontrol blanket, which can optionally comprise a biodegradable material.

In some embodiments, a plurality of posts are placed along at least afront roll of the apparatus relative to the shoreline. The lifts may besecured with the posts or stakes.

In some embodiments, a method of installing erosion control apparatuscomprises placing a mesh within an excavated site; placing a layer ofcoir fabric over the mesh; arranging a plurality of fiber rolls relativeto a shoreline; connecting a plurality of soil lifts to the fiber rolls,the soil lifts comprising fiber; folding the mesh and the fabric overthe soil lifts and the rolls; and inserting a plurality of anchorsadjacent or coupled to the fiber rolls, the anchors being inserted at adepth, wherein each of the anchors passes through the mesh, the fabric,and at least one soil lift.

In further embodiments, the anchor system can include rocks, concrete,or other formed components that can be installed prior to placement ofthe soil lifts and/or fiber rolls. Cables or other coupling rods orelements can be attached to these anchor components by a formed loop inthe cable, threaded eyelets or other fixtures suitable to connect theanchors to the rolls. Each anchor point can be attached to one or morefiber rolls. The connecting cables can be attached to the anchor pointsprior to placement of the soil lifts and fiber rolls. The cables canextend around or extend through slots in the soil lifts.

Generally, the space between the fiber rolls and the anchor points andrelated anchor surface area has a fill material. This fill material caninclude soil, rocks, and/or the soil lifts. The fill material isconfined by the overlying fiber rolls which combine to load the anchorsystem. The system components are coupled to the anchoring system tosubstantially increase the stability of the system during storms andtidal or flooding events.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an erosion control apparatus, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an erosion control apparatus including wirebaskets, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an erosion control apparatus including stakes,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a close-up side view of a coir fiber roll according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5A depicts a side view of an erosion control apparatus includingmultiple slope angles, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5B depicts a side view of a section of an erosion control apparatusand the angular positioning of elements of the apparatus, according tosome embodiments

FIG. 6A depicts a side view of an anchor's load according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6B depicts a side view of an anchor's load in an apparatusaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 6C depicts a side view of an anchor's load in an apparatus withreinforced anchoring elements according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6D depicts a side view of an anchor's load in an apparatusincluding concrete according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are side views of coir fiber rolls covered in sandaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a side view of marsh pillows or containers according to someembodiments.

FIG. 9 is a side view of stakes utilized in an erosion control apparatusaccording to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are a top view, side view, perspectiveview, and a front view of an assembled apparatus according to someembodiments.

FIG. 11A depicts a method of installing an erosion control apparatus,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11B depicts a method of inserting anchors to secure fiber rolls andsoil lifts according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12A is a side view of an inserted anchor according to someembodiments.

FIG. 12B is a side view of an inserted anchor according to someembodiments.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an anchoring system inserted relative to soilsaturation according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14A is a side view of an anchoring system including reinforcementelements according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14B is a side view of an anchoring system including concreteaccording to some embodiments.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are side views of an anchoring system includinghelical anchors according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16A is a side view of a shared anchor cable system according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 16B is a side view of a shared anchor cable system including aconnecting cable according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17 is side view of an erosion control apparatus including helicalanchors, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a side view of an inserted helical anchor according to someembodiments.

FIG. 19 is a side view of an erosion control apparatus including onefiber roll, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, and 20F are side views depicting theinstallation of a whip cable in an erosion control apparatus accordingto some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of thedisclosed devices and methods, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unlessspecifically stated otherwise. In this application, the use of “or”means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term“including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”,is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood toinclude the endpoints and all values between the endpoints.

Prior to this disclosure, there has not been a reliable and robustbioengineering method of stabilizing an exposed landform in locations ofhigher erosion risk, such as oceanfront, estuarine, riverfront,lakefront, and other features of land bordering a body of water.

The present disclosure incorporates the benefits of mass and weight ofsediment-filled lifts and the benefits of fiber rolls to preventsediment from liquefying and flowing through the fabric in storm orflooding events. The present disclosure also relies on anchoring thefiber rolls with the use of earth anchors. The earth anchors can includedifferent structures such as helical-style anchors and duckbill-styleanchors, provided they can be positioned below grade and providesuperior holding power. In some embodiments, the earth anchors areproduced by A. B. Chance Company located in Centralia, Mo. In someembodiments, the anchors are rock anchors such as those produced byMilSpec® Anchors located in Alexander City, Ala. In an embodiment, earthanchors provide a minimum of 3,000 pounds of holding force at eachanchor point. In an embodiment, each element of the disclosed apparatusprovides a minimum of 3,000 pounds of holding force. Anchor points areinstalled at intervals of approximately twenty-four to thirty inchesalong an edge of each fiber roll. In some embodiments, anchor points areinstalled at intervals of approximately twenty-four to ninety-six inchesalong an edge of each fiber roll. In an embodiment, the anchor pointsare installed every thirty inches from along the top and bottom edge ofeach fiber roll.

Prior to this disclosure, property owners were faced with choosingbetween substandard, soft bioengineering techniques which requirefrequent repairs or fail during storm conditions. Such conditionsincrease the forces of moving water on the bioengineering components orconventional engineering approaches which tend to reflect storm energyand exacerbate erosion damage to adjacent or down-stream naturalresources. Neither conventional engineering approaches or priorbioengineering techniques were well-matched for sea level rise.Conventional engineering measures for erosion control do not supportplants and often cannot be expanded in a modular technique without majorfoundational reconstruction. While fiber rolls and similarbioengineering methods provide good support for the root systems ofplants, the inability to hold the fiber rolls in place during a stormevent undermines the ability for plants to become established as theplants are damaged every time the array becomes dislodged. Successfulbioengineering relies extensively on the integrity of the plant rootsystems for long-term performance.

The present disclosure not only provides substantially more structuralintegrity than any other bioengineering method for shoreline protection,but due to its superior structural integrity and ability to supportplant growth, the important role plants play in all bioengineeringdesigns is enhanced and secured on a substantially longer timeframe. Thedisclosed apparatus are also readily expandable, making it possible toincrease the number of lifts over time by simply constructing more liftson the top or sides of the array without making any other structuralchanges to the array or damaging the supporting bioengineering materialsand plants. In some instances, more than one apparatus can be installedat the same site vertically, horizontally, or a combination thereof.Conversely, conventional engineering methods such as sea walls oftenrequire substantial increases in their foundation or embedment belowgrade before their height can be increased. The expandability of thepresent disclosure makes it a preferred alternative in marineenvironments undergoing sea level rise.

The disclosed apparatus, in some embodiments, is installed in a siteabove ground water in the surrounding soil. In other embodiments, thelowest section of the disclosed apparatus is inserted no more than onefoot into ground water.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an erosion control apparatus, according to someembodiments. The apparatus 100 comprises at least one coir fiber roll110. The coir fiber rolls 110 may be either high density or low density.For one example, 20″ diameter by 10′ long, high density fiber rolls aremeasured at a nine pound per cubic foot density, comprised of a mattressof inner coir fibers encased in a UV stabilized synthetic polypropylenemesh. Alternatively, the high density fiber rolls are comprised of amattress of inner coir fibers encased in a 100% biodegradable coir ropemesh. In a further example, 20″ diameter by 20′ long, low density fiberrolls are measured at a seven pound per cubic foot density, comprised ofa mattress of inner coir fibers encased in a UV stabilized syntheticpolypropylene mesh. In some embodiments, some or all of the low densityfiber rolls are 20″ diameter by 10′ long.

The coir fiber rolls 110 are arranged along a shoreline, riverbank,lakefront, or other waterfront. The soil behind the coir fiber rolls110, relative to the shoreline, riverbank, lakefront, or otherwaterfront, may be graded. In some embodiments, the soil is graded at aslope angle in a range of 0 to 45 degrees (1:1 slope). In an embodiment,the soil is graded at a slope angle in a range of 20 to 50 degrees. In afurther embodiment, the soil is graded at a slope angle no greater than33 degrees (2:1 slope). The slope angle may be 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 degrees, or any anglein between. In some embodiments, the soil of the apparatus 100 caninclude varying slope angles throughout the apparatus 100. The coirfiber rolls are described in greater detail below with respect to FIG.4. Varying slope angles are described in greater detail below withrespect to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The coir fiber rolls 110 are anchored with the use of anchors 120. Theanchors 120 may be referred to as “earth anchors” and may behelical-style anchors, duckbill-style anchors, or any other type ofanchor that can be driven below grade. The anchors 120 are inserted at aspecified depth into the soil lifts 130 or the soil underneath theapparatus 100. In some embodiments, the anchors 120 are insertedadjacent to the plurality of the coir fiber rolls 110. In an embodiment,each anchor 120 provides a minimum of three thousand pounds of holdingforce. The distribution of anchors is described with more detail withrespect to FIGS. 6A-6D.

In an embodiment, the anchors 120 are installed across a face of thecoir fiber rolls 110. In some embodiments, the anchors 120 are insertedadjacent to the coir fiber rolls 110 to secure the coir fiber rolls 110.In some embodiments, the anchors 120 are inserted adjacent to multiplecoir fiber rolls 110. The anchoring system of the apparatus 100 furthercomprises ¼″ galvanized aircraft cable 116 and zinc-coated coppercrimps. The crimps are used to form a loop in the cable 116. Cables 116are attached to each earth anchor 120 by forming a loop with a crimp.One cable 116 may be joined to another cable 116 by securing two loopstogether. These cables 116 form a network of cables 116 which harnessthe coir fiber rolls 110 and all tie back to the individual anchors 120to create a high degree of integrity. The anchors 120 are placed to adepth of at least 42″ below finished slope grade into naturally orartificially compacted soil using a hardened steel driving rod. Deeperanchor placements can be used with greater slope angles or more exposedformations.

The apparatus 100 further comprises a plurality of fiber encased soillifts 130. The soil lifts 130 can comprise two layers of sevenhundred-gram (or heavier) woven coir fabric encased by high tenacitypolypropylene or polyethylene synthetic mesh 140 that is resistant toripping. The soil lifts 130 are configured to retain sediment and allowthe sediment to naturally compact within the soil lift 130. All sedimentin each soil lift 130 preferably has a consistent depth of approximately12″, but the depth of each soil lift 130 can vary across the apparatus100. The sediment in each soil lift 130 can be compacted using aportable plate compactor at 6″ soil depth intervals.

In some embodiments, each soil lift 130 in an apparatus 100 is ofuniform length. In some embodiments, the length of each soil lift 130 isfour feet. In some embodiments, the length of each soil lift 130 iseight feet. In some embodiments, the top soil lift 130 has a length ofeight feet and each other soil lift 130 has a length of four feet. Insome embodiments, each soil lift 130 has a length of about three tothree and a half feet.

The soil lifts 130 are connected to the coir fiber rolls 110. Additionalsoil lifts 130 can be added to the apparatus 100 over time byconstructing the additional soil lifts 130 onto the top of the coirfiber rolls 110, for example. The completed series of coir fiber rollsand soil lifts may be referred to as a protection array, configured toprotect a shoreline. In some embodiments, the coir fiber rolls 110 areincorporated into, or encapsulated within, the soil lifts 130.

In some embodiments, the soil lifts 130 can optionally be coupled to oneanother by fasteners or coupling elements 108 such as stakes, hog rings,or clips. As an example, hog rings may be inserted through two adjacentsoil lifts 130 and subsequently bent with pliers, or other manipulationmeans, to bend the hog rings into a circular shape to couple theadjacent soil lifts 130. In some embodiments, the fasteners or couplingelements 108 are stainless steel. In some embodiments, rope is weavedthrough the surface of adjacent soil lifts 130 to couple the soil lifts130. The fasteners or coupling elements 108 serve to mechanically couplethe soil lifts 130 together.

The synthetic mesh 140 is incorporated as an outward layer of fabricused for developing fabric encased soil lifts. In some embodiments, themesh 140 comprises raschel polypropylene knotless netting, 3 mm hightenacity (rip resistant), 1½″ mesh opening, with enhanced UVstabilization. In other embodiments, the mesh 140 comprisespolyethylene. In other embodiments, the mesh 140 comprises 100%biodegradable coir fabric. In some embodiments, the mesh opening canrange from ½″ to 7″. In an embodiment, the mesh 140 covers the coirfiber rolls 110 that are not filled with plant material 170. In apreferred embodiment, the netting is not photo-degradable. The earthanchors 120 pass through the mesh 140 and soil lifts 130 into the soilbeneath. In some embodiments, the synthetic mesh 140 can be substitutedwith a layer of coir fabric.

After installation of the mesh 140, the coir fiber rolls 110 covered bythe mesh 140 are at least partially covered by sand 150. In anembodiment, the first six coir fiber rolls 110 relative to theshoreline, riverbank, lakefront, or other waterfront are at leastpartially covered by the mesh 140 and sand 150. The number of coir fiberrolls 110 covered by the mesh 140 and sand 150 may be adjusted based onthe conditions of the site of the apparatus 100. The inclusion of sand150 is described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

A plurality of posts 160 may be placed at intervals along at least thefront coir fiber roll 110 of the apparatus 100 relative to theshoreline, riverbank, lakefront, or other waterfront. The posts 160provide additional support for the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, theposts 160 may be 4″ by 4″ or 6″ by 6″, and spaced at 5 foot intervalsalong the first coir fiber roll 110. In some embodiments, the apparatus100 does not include posts 160.

In some embodiments, coir fiber rolls 110 not covered by the mesh 140are filled with plant material 170. In other embodiments, at least oneof the coir fiber rolls 110 covered by the mesh 140 or incorporated intothe soil lifts 130 are filled with the plant material 170. The plantmaterial 170 may be any vegetation with suitable roots for securing theapparatus 100 from eroding. In an embodiment, the plant material 170 isAmerican beachgrass. In other embodiments, the plant material 170 may beany native plantings appropriate to the site conditions, which will growquickly and stabilize the landform.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes marsh pillows 190. Thepillows 190 may be installed between the apparatus 100 and theshoreline. The pillows 190 are described in greater detail below withrespect to FIG. 8.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an erosion control apparatus 100, according tosome embodiments. In these embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes atleast one wire basket 165. In some embodiments, the wire basket 165 is avinyl coated, welded, and galvanized gabion. The wire basket may beutilized as a substitute of the anchor posts 160 or in conjunction withthe anchor posts 160. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the wirebaskets 165 are at least 1′×2′×6″. The wire baskets 165 can be filledwith heavy materials such as rock or shells.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises at least oneerosion control blanket 180. In an embodiment, the blanket 180 isbiodegradable and may degrade over approximately a three year period. Ina further embodiment, the blanket 180 comprises coir fiber netting. Theblanket 180 may be secured with the posts 160. In some embodiments, theblanket 180 may be secured with the earth anchors 120. If multipleblankets are employed, an interior blanket is typically astraw/coir/jute, short term, composite erosion control blanket and anexterior blanket is typically 700 or 900-gram woven coir fabric. Theblanket 180 is further configured to provide UV protection to the coirfiber rolls 110. The blanket 180 is further configured to preventchafing between the coir fiber rolls 110 and the cables 116 during stormevents.

In an embodiment, a composite erosion control blanket 185 is installedwithin forty-eight hours of grading the soil above (up gradient) thecoir fiber rolls 110 relative to the shoreline, riverbank, lakefront, orother waterfront. In an embodiment, the composite erosion controlblanket 185 is secured with a first trench located at a first end of theapparatus 100, the first end being positioned substantially parallel tothe shoreline and at a highest end of the apparatus 100 furthest fromthe shoreline. In a further embodiment, the mesh 140 is secured with asecond trench at a second end of the apparatus 100, the second end beingpositioned substantially parallel to the shoreline and at a lowest endof the apparatus 100 closest to the shoreline. In an embodiment, thetrenches are 6″×6″ (that is at least six inches wide and six inchesdeep) lock-in trenches at the top and bottom of the slope with a minimumof 6″ overlaps in the transition from one horizontal width of erosioncontrol blanket to the next. 30″ hardwood stakes 135 can be used at aspacing of 36″ on center with ¼″ biodegradable twine used to secure thecomposite 185 to the ground surface. The trenches may be backfilled,seeded, and lightly mulched with sterilized, weed-free chopped straw orcomparable equivalent mulch product.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an erosion control apparatus 100, according tosome embodiments. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes atleast one stake 135. The stakes 135 may be inserted through the soillifts 130. The stakes are described in more detail below with respect toFIG. 9.

FIG. 4 is a close-up side view of a coir fiber roll 110 according tosome embodiments. A coir fiber roll 110 includes an inner portion 112 ofcoir fiber. In some embodiments, the inner portion 112 of coir fiber is20″ in diameter. The inner portion is surrounded by a layer 114 of coirfabric. In some embodiments, the weight of the layer 114 of coir fabricmay range between seven hundred to nine hundred grams. The layer 114 ofcoir fabric may be covered by the mesh 140. Cables 116 may be securedaround the mesh 140. The cables 116 are attached to the anchors 120. Insome embodiments, the cables 116 are spaced at two and a half feetdistances across the coir fiber rolls 110.

FIG. 5A depicts a side view of an erosion control apparatus including aplurality of slope angles, according to some embodiments. The coir fiberrolls 110 may be arranged at varying slopes throughout the apparatus100. The preferred configuration of the coir fiber rolls 110 may bedetermined based on the factors such as the shape of the shoreline atthe excavation site, the anticipated forces the apparatus 100 willendure, and the desired slope after insertion of the apparatus 100. Anembodiment can use a first contiguous set of rolls 102 at a first slopeangle, a second contiguous set of rolls 104 at a second slope angle thatis steeper than the first set, extending at a greater angle, and a thirdset contiguous set of rolls 106 can be at a third angle that is situatedat a greater or lesser angle as required.

The soil behind the coir fiber rolls 110, relative to the shoreline,riverbank, lakefront, or other waterfront, may be graded. In someembodiments, the soil is graded at the same slope angle as the coirfiber rolls 110. In some embodiments, the soil is graded at a differentslope angle than the coir fiber rolls 110. The coir fiber rolls 110and/or the soil may be graded at a slope angle in a range of 0 to 45degrees (1:1 slope). In an embodiment, coir fiber rolls 110 and/or thesoil is graded at a slope angle in a range of 20 to 50 degrees. In afurther embodiment, coir fiber rolls 110 and/or the soil is graded at aslope angle no greater than 26.6 degrees (2:1 slope). In a furtherembodiment, coir fiber rolls 110 and/or the soil is graded at a slopeangle no greater than 18 degrees (3:1 slope). The slope angle may be 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 degrees, orany angle in between. In some embodiments, the soil of the apparatus 100can include varying slope angles throughout the apparatus 100.

Each anchor 120 may be inserted at varying angles throughout theapparatus 100. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict multiple anchors 120 inserted atvarious angles with the cable passing through one or more elements ofthe apparatus 100. An anchor 120 may be inserted with the cable orientedat an angular range Θ₁ relative to the slope angle of the soil at theinsertion point of the anchor 120 or, if different, the slope angle Θ₂of the coir fiber rolls 110. An anchor 120 may be inserted as describedpreviously herein in a direction orthogonal to the soil grade or coirfiber rolls 110. An anchor 120 may be inserted at an angle up to 45degrees relative to the orthogonal direction (normal) to the plane. Insome embodiments, an anchor 120 may be inserted up to 10 degreesrelative to the orthogonal direction or plane. In some embodiments, ananchor 120 may be inserted up to 20 degrees relative to the orthogonaldirection. In some embodiments, an anchor 120 may be inserted up to 30degrees relative to the orthogonal direction. In some embodiments, ananchor 120 may be inserted up to 40 degrees relative to the orthogonaldirection.

The anchors 120 may all be inserted at the same angle throughout theapparatus 100 or the insertion angle of the anchors 120 may varythroughout the apparatus 100. In some embodiments, each anchor 120 isinserted at the same angle relative to the orthogonal plane. In someembodiments, each anchor 120 is inserted at varying angles relative tothe orthogonal plane. In such embodiments, some of the anchors 120 maybe inserted at similar angles relative to the orthogonal plane.

In some embodiments, the anchor 120 inserted closest to the shorelinemay be inserted vertically. A vertical anchor 120 is advantageous whenthe apparatus 100 is installed above a seawall, bulkhead, or othertraditional structure used to reduce erosion from adjacent water coursesor water bodies to connect the apparatus 100 to the seawall, bulkhead,or other traditional structure.

An anchor 120 may secure one or more coir fiber rolls 110. In someembodiments, an anchor 120 may pass through one or more soil lifts 130.In some embodiments, an anchor 120 may pass through the mesh 140 andsand 150. In some embodiments, each individual anchor 120 may secure thesame or different elements of the apparatus 100 as other anchors 120.

FIG. 5B depicts a side view of a section of an erosion control apparatusand the angular positioning of elements of the apparatus, according tosome embodiments. The one or more coir fiber rolls 110 are installedalong a plane (depicted in FIG. 5B) relative to a base layer of earth.Sections of the apparatus 100 may be installed along multiple planes.The angle between such a plane and the base layer is labeled as Θ₂.

Each anchor 120 is inserted at an angle relative to a plane relative toa base layer of earth. The insertion angle of the anchor 120 may benormal (orthogonal) to a plane as depicted in FIG. 5B. In someembodiments, an anchor 120 is inserted an angle relative to the normal.The angle of the anchor 120 is labeled as Θ₁. In some embodiments, eachanchor 120 is inserted at an angle within 30 degrees of the normal. Ananchor 120 includes a rod or cable that extends at the defined angle.

FIG. 6A depicts a side view of an anchor's load according to someembodiments. In some embodiments, an anchor 120 is driven into the soilat a ninety-degree angle relative to the soil. In some embodiments, ananchor 120 is locked into place by applying stress to the anchor tendon125, the connecting segment or element of the anchor 120 in the oppositedirection to which the anchor 120 was driven. The tendon 125 isgenerally a steel aircraft cable or a metal rod. The anchor 120 rotatesninety degrees and a frustum cone 126 of soil is formed as the soil iscompacted and bonded. The frustum cone 126 enables an anchor 120 tosupport a large load. In some embodiments, each anchor 120 supportsthree thousand pounds of force.

The anchors 120 utilized in the apparatus 100 may be helical-styleanchors, duckbill-style anchors, or any other type of anchor that can bedriven below grade. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus utilizesduckbill-style anchors. In some embodiments, the anchors 120 may beinstalled approximately every twenty-four to thirty inches along the topand bottom edge of each coir fiber roll 110.

The density of the anchors 120 per square foot is dependent on theheight of the apparatus 100. In an embodiment with 2.5′ and 3.3′ spacingbetween the center axes of adjacent coir fiber rolls 110, the apparatusincludes three to four cables 116 per coir fiber roll 110. Therefore therange of anchor density for an apparatus 100 from one coir fiber roll110 high to one hundred coir fiber rolls 110 high is generally in arange of eighteen to forty-eight anchors 120 per one hundred squarefeet.

In an embodiment including four cables 116 per 10′ coir fiber roll 110,the anchor density can be twenty-four to forty-eight anchors 120 per onehundred square feet. In embodiment including one coir fiber roll 110,the anchor density can be thirty-six to forty-eight anchors 120 per onehundred square feet. In an embodiment including five coir fiber rolls110, the anchor density can be twenty-two to twenty-nine anchors 120 perone hundred square feet. In an embodiment including ten coir fiber rolls110, the anchor density can be twenty to twenty-six anchors 120 per onehundred square feet. In an embodiment including one hundred coir fiberrolls 110, the anchor density can be eighteen to twenty-four anchors 120per one hundred square feet.

In one embodiment, at least twenty to twenty-nine anchors 120 areinserted per one hundred square feet. In an embodiment, the anchors 120are driven into the soil by a hydraulic hammer Typically, the anchors120 have a distal portion comprising an anchor point 127 that cancomprise a duckbill or helical segment, or a plate, for example. Thisanchor point 127 has a surface area 129 that supports a cone shaped load126 of overlying soil and structure. The anchor point 127 surface area129 is preferably at least four square inches or larger. The anchors 120are positioned so that the cone shaped load 126 at least overlaps thecone 128 of an adjoining anchor 120.

FIG. 6B depicts overlapping frustum cones 126 in an apparatus accordingto some embodiments, FIG. 6C depicts overlapping frustum cones 126 in anapparatus with reinforced anchoring elements according to someembodiments, and FIG. 6D depicts overlapping frustum cones 126 in anapparatus with concrete according to some embodiments. The overlappingfrustum cones 126 provide reinforced support across the apparatus 100 asmultiple anchors support the overlapping sections. Each frustum cone inFIG. 6B originates from an anchor point surface area 129. Each frustumcone in FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D originates from an anchor point 127 embeddedin a reinforcement element. The cones 126 depicted in FIGS. 6B, 6C, and6D are illustrative and do not necessarily portray the exact loadsupported by each anchor. This will depend on the effective loadedsurface area of the anchoring system.

In a further embodiment, the anchors 120 are driven into the soil by animpact of eighteen ft/lb of impact energy at a rate of two thousandthree hundred (2300) blows/minute, for example. This impact energy canvary depending on soil conditions and the anchor depth requirements at agiven installation.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are side views of coir fiber rolls 110 covered in sand150 according to some embodiments. The coir fiber rolls 110 may becovered solely by sand 150, by sand 150 within a burlap layer 155, or acombination of sand 150 and burlap 155. In some embodiments, the burlaplayer 155 is covered by two layers of coir fiber 156. The burlap layer155 and the two layers of coir fiber 156 may be secured in the soil byat least one stake 135. The burlap layer 155 may be biodegradable. Insome embodiments, coir fiber rolls 110 disposed closer to the shorelineare covered by sand 150 with the burlap layer 155 and the coir fiberrolls disposed furthest from the shoreline are covered by sand 150.

FIG. 8 is a side view of marsh pillows or containers 190 according tosome embodiments. In some embodiments, the marsh pillows 190 aredisposed between the coir fiber rolls 110 and the shoreline. In someembodiments, the marsh containers 190 are composed of coir materialfilled with loose coir fiber and compost. In some embodiments, the marshcontainers 190 range from 2″-7″ thick and 1′-6′ wide. In furtherembodiments, the marsh containers 190 range from 4″-5″ thick and 3′-4′wide. In some embodiments, the marsh containers 190 range from 2′-4′thick and 1′-6′ wide. In some embodiments, the marsh containers 190 aresurrounded by biodegradable rope 195.

The marsh containers 190 may be secured to the soil by an anchor 120, astake 135, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the marshcontainers 190 are fastened to cables 116 with four anchors 120 permarsh container 190 In some embodiments, the marsh containers 190 arefilled with plant material 170. In further embodiments, the plantmaterial 170 may be maritime grasses native to the shoreline.

FIG. 9 is a side view of stakes 135 utilized in an erosion controlapparatus 100 according to some embodiments. At least one stake 135 isdriven through each soil lift 130. The stakes 135 may be driven througha soil lift 130 into the soil or driven through a first soil lift 130into another soil lift 130 disposed beneath the first soil lift. In someembodiments, the stakes 135 are wooden stakes. In some embodiments, thestakes 135 may be substituted with earth anchors such as duckbillanchors. The soil lifts 130 can have apertures or slots through whichthe anchors are inserted or enable cable placement through the aperturesor slots, or between soil lift containers that are positioned afteranchor placement.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are a top view, side view, perspectiveview, and a front view of an assembled apparatus 100 according to someembodiments. FIGS. 10A, 10C, and 10D depict the spacing of the cables116 across the coir fiber rolls 110 according to some embodiments. FIGS.10A, 10C, and 10D also depict the spacing of the posts 160 across theclosest coir fiber roll 110 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11A depicts a method of installing an erosion control apparatus,according to some embodiments. The method begins when a layer of mesh isplaced within an excavated site (Step 1010). The soil behind the site,relative to the shoreline, riverbank, lakefront, or other waterfront,may be graded. The mesh may comprise raschel polypropylene knotlessnetting (or comparable equivalent), 3 mm high tenacity (rip resistant),1½″ mesh opening, with UV stabilization, or may comprise polyethylene orcoir fiber. The netting can be biodegradable or in a preferredembodiment is non-photodegradable. In some embodiments, the mesh openingcan range from ½″ to 7″. Next, at least one layer of coir fabric isplaced over the mesh (Step 1020). In some embodiments, two layers ofseven hundred gram (or heavier) coir fabric is layered over the mesh. Insome embodiments, one or two layers of 700-gram woven coir fabricencased by high tenacity (rip resistant) polypropylene synthetic meshcomprise a soil lift.

Coir fiber rolls are then arranged in the site relative to the shorelineand connected within the soil lifts (Step 1030). A coir fiber roll maybe a 20″ diameter by 10′ long, measured at a nine pound per cubic footdensity, comprised of a mattress of inner coir fibers encased in a UVstabilized synthetic polypropylene mesh. Alternatively, the coir fiberroll may be a mattress of inner coir fibers encased in a 100%biodegradable coir rope mesh. The soil lifts are filled with sedimentand the sediment is compacted (Step 1040). All sediment in each soillift has a consistent depth of approximately 12″. The sediment in eachsoil lift is compacted using a portable plate compactor at 6″ soil depthintervals. Thus, the fill material positioned between the fiber rollsand the anchors can include soil, rocks, or other biodegradablematerials either within, or instead of, soil lifts. Optionally, all ofthe fill material can be contained within a single container thatenvelopes the volume between the fiber rolls and the anchor system.

Then the mesh and the coir fabric are folded over the coir fiber rollsand soil lifts (Step (1050). In an embodiment, the number of coir fiberrolls in the apparatus and the number of coir fiber rolls covered by themesh are determined by specific design criteria varying with eachinstallation site. In an embodiment, the mesh is installed as each liftis constructed. The completed series of coir fiber rolls and soil liftsmay be referred to as a protection array.

The method continues when a plurality of anchors are inserted andcoupled to the rolls to secure the rolls to the soil lifts. (Step 1060).Step 1060 is described in further detail below in regards to FIG. 11B.Steps 1010 through 1060 may be repeated as necessary to constructadditional soil lifts. The additional soil lifts may be constructed onthe top or the side of the rolls.

After construction of the soil lifts is completed, at least one coirfiber roll is filled with plant material (Step 1070). The plant materialmay be any vegetation with suitable roots for securing the apparatusfrom eroding. In an embodiment, the plant life is American beachgrass.In other embodiments, the plant material may be any native plantingsappropriate to the site conditions, which will grow quickly andstabilize the landform. Next at least one biodegradable erosion controlblanket is installed and secured with posts inserted along at least afirst fiber roll (Step 1080). The blanket may be installed along alldisturbed and/or unstable ground located above the protection array. Inan embodiment, the blanket is biodegradable. In a further embodiment,the blanket comprises coir fiber netting. If multiple blankets areemployed, an interior blanket is typically a straw/coir/jute, shortterm, composite erosion control blanket and an exterior blanket istypically 700 or 900 gram woven coir fabric. The at least one blanket issecured when a plurality of posts are inserted through the blanket alongat least a first roll of the apparatus relative to the shoreline,riverbank, lakefront, or other waterfront. The plurality of posts may be4″ by 4″ or 6″ by 6″, and spaced at 5 foot intervals along the firstcoir fiber roll. The blanket may additionally be secured by abiodegradable twine used to secure the blanket firmly to the soil. Thetwine may extend from the highest elevation of destabilized or disturbedsoil down the uppermost soil lift.

A first trench is excavated at a highest end of the apparatus and asecond trench is excavated at a lowest end of the apparatus. (Step1090). In some embodiments, only a first trench is excavated. In anembodiment, the trenches are 6″×6″ (that is at least six inches wide andsix inches deep) lock-in trenches at the top and bottom of the slopewith a minimum of 6″ overlaps. 30″ hardwood stakes may be used at adensity of 36″ on center with ¼″ biodegradable twine used to secure themesh to the ground surface. The trenches are be backfilled, seeded, andlightly mulched with sterilized, weed-free chopped straw or comparableequivalent mulch product. (Step 1095).

FIG. 11B depicts a method of inserting anchors to secure fiber rolls andsoil lifts according to some embodiments. The method begins whenduckbill anchors including a rod connected to an anchor point surfacesized to support an overlying cone of material are selected (Step 1110).Anchors providing at least 3,000 pounds of holding force at eachinsertion point (Step 1120). After the anchors are selected, the anchorsare spaced approximately every twenty-four to thirty inches along thetop and bottom edge of each coir fiber roll (Step 1130). In oneembodiment, at least twenty to twenty-nine anchors are inserted per onehundred square feet.

The anchors are passed through the mesh, coir fabric, and soil lift(Step 1040). In a preferred embodiment, the anchors pass through themesh and soil lifts, which operates to distribute the anchoring forceacross the entire embedded structure. The coir fiber rolls are anchoredwith the use of earth anchors and the earth anchors can be insertedthrough the rolls. Next, the anchors are inserted adjacent to a coirfiber roll and through a soil lift adjacent to another coir fiber rollor through an adjacent soil lift, mechanically coupling the coir fiberrolls and soil lifts (Step 1150). The anchors pass through the mesh andsoil lifts to distribute the anchoring force across the system.

In an embodiment, the anchors are inserted at a fixed depth into soilunderneath the apparatus; the depth being at least forty-two inches(Step 1060). In the above methods, the anchors may be earth anchors. Theearth anchors may be helical-style anchors, duckbill-style anchors, orany other type of anchor that can be driven below grade.

In one embodiment, after a soil lift is compacted, a roll is placedalong the “water” side of the lift and the blanket and mesh are foldedback toward the landform. In one embodiment, the anchors are driven intothe soil after each grouping of the lift, roll, blanket, and mesh areconstructed. In another embodiment the anchors may be driven into thesoil after each individual lift is constructed, after 2-3 lifts havebeen constructed or after all the lifts are constructed. In anembodiment utilizing duckbill anchors, anchors should be installed aftera lift is constructed. In an embodiment utilizing helical anchors, theanchors may be installed prior to construction of the lifts and steelcables would need to be pulled up through the lifts.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of an inserted anchor according to someembodiments. An anchor 1220 a or 1220 b can be coupled to alongitudinally extending element, such as a rod, cable, or roll insertthat can be centered within the roll or, alternatively, against theouter wall of the roll or positioned with an internal frame positionedwithin the wall, into an apparatus 100 by extending a cable of theanchor 1220 a or 1220 b through a coir fiber roll 1210 a or 1210 b. Insome embodiments, the coir fiber roll 1210 a may be constructed toinclude an anchor 1220 a within the coir fiber roll 1210 a. After thecoir fiber roll 1210 a is arranged within an excavated site, the anchor1220 a is extended from within the coir fiber roll 1210 a to a desireddepth.

In some embodiments, the anchor 1220 b can be secured to the coir fiberroll 1220 b with a clamp 1221. The clamp 1221 is attached to a surfaceof the coir fiber roll 1210 b. In some embodiments, the clamp 1221 isattached to the surface of the coir fiber roll 1210 b adjacent to theslope surface of the apparatus 100. A plurality of clamps 1221 aresecured to the surfaces of the plurality of coir fiber rolls 1210 b,each clamp 1221 securing a cable of an anchor 1220 b to the plurality ofcoir fiber rolls 1210 b. In some embodiments, each coir fiber roll 1210b is attached to one clamp 1221. In other embodiments, multiple clamps1221 and anchors 1220 b are attached to one or more coir fiber rolls1210 b.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an anchoring system configured relative tosoil saturation according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, theangle at which anchors 1320 are inserted into the soil are determinedrelative to the saturation level of the soil surrounding the anchorpoint surface of the anchor 1320. The saturation level refers to theamount of water retained by the soil, either at the time of installationor during a weather event such as flooding, a storm, a hurricane, andthe like. Each anchor 1320 may be inserted at varying angles throughoutthe apparatus 100 relative to the saturation level of soil at eachanchor point.

The anchor 1320 may be inserted with the cable 1316 oriented at anangular range Θ₁ relative to the slope angle of the soil at theinsertion point of the anchor 1320 a or, if different, the slope angleΘ₂ of the coir fiber rolls 110. In some embodiments, an anchor 1320 maybe inserted as described previously herein in a direction orthogonal tothe soil grade or coir fiber rolls 110 if the soil surrounding theanchor point surface is unsaturated or will remain unsaturated during aweather event. In some embodiments, an anchor 1320 may be inserted at anangle up to 45 degrees relative to the orthogonal direction (normal) tothe plane if the soil surrounding the anchor point surface is fullysaturated or will be fully saturated during a weather event. In someembodiments, an anchor 1320 may be inserted up to 10 degrees relative tothe orthogonal direction or plane. In some embodiments, an anchor 1320may be inserted up to 20 degrees relative to the orthogonal direction.In some embodiments, an anchor 1320 may be inserted up to 30 degreesrelative to the orthogonal direction. In some embodiments, an anchor1320 may be inserted up to 40 degrees relative to the orthogonaldirection.

FIG. 14A is a side view of an anchoring system including reinforcementelements according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the anchorsmay be coupled to reinforcement elements 1420 a. The reinforcementelements 1420 a can include one or more rocks, stones, or boulders,concrete formations or other formed materials, or a combination thereof.In some embodiments, the reinforcement elements 1420 a are coupled tofriction anchors. In further embodiments, an end of the friction anchorsare embedded within the reinforcement elements 1420 a. In someembodiments, the anchors are duckbill anchors, helical anchors, or otherearth anchors. The anchors comprise cables 1416 a extending from thereinforcement elements 1420 a to the coir fiber rolls 110. In someembodiments, the reinforcement elements 1420 a include the cables 1416 athat extend to the coir fiber rolls 110.

The reinforcement elements 1420 a can be inserted at a depth of at least42 inches below the slope surface of the apparatus. In some embodiments,the reinforcement elements 1420 a may be native to the soil and theapparatus can be constructed over the native reinforcement elements 1420a. In some embodiments, the reinforcement elements 1420 a may be coupledto anchors prior to inserting the reinforcement elements 1420 a into thesoil. The anchors are extended from the reinforcement elements 1420 aafter insertion of other elements of the apparatus such as the mesh 140,blanket 180, soil lifts 130, and coir fiber rolls 110. In someembodiments, the anchors are inserted through mesh 140 and at least onesoil lift 130 then coupled to the reinforcement elements 1420 a.

FIG. 14B is a side view of an anchoring system including concreteaccording to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the reinforcementelement 1420 b is concrete. The concrete 1420 b is poured into placeover anchors previously inserted into soil, embedding the anchor pointsurfaces in the concrete 1420 b. In some embodiments, the concrete 1420b is poured into place prior to installation of the soil lifts 130. Insome embodiments, the concrete 1420 b is poured at a depth of at least42 inches below the slope surface of the apparatus. Such formed blocks,cylinders, or other desired shapes can be attached to fiber rolls bycables, rods, or other coupling fixtures. These can be attached bythreaded fixtures or formed loops to the formed components.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are side views of an anchoring system includinghelical anchors according to some embodiments. Each helical anchor 1520includes a cable 1516. The cables 1516 are coupled to fiber rolls 110with crimps 1517. The crimps 1517 tighten and fasten the cables 1516. Insome embodiments, the crimps 1517 are zinc plated copper crimps. Amethod of installing an erosion control apparatus including helicalanchors 1520 is described below.

According to some embodiments, installation of an erosion controlapparatus begins with preparation of the soil at an excavation site. Thesoil is compacted and graded at a specified slope angle. In someembodiments, the soil is graded at a slope angle in a range of 0 to 45degrees (1:1 slope). In an embodiment, the soil is graded at a slopeangle in a range of 20 to 50 degrees. In a further embodiment, the soilis graded at a slope angle no greater than 33 degrees (2:1 slope). Theslope angle may be 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 degrees, or any angle in between. In someembodiments, the soil of the apparatus can include varying slope anglesthroughout the apparatus.

Next a plurality of anchors are selected. The anchors may be helicalanchors including a cable connected to an anchor point surface sized tosupport an overlying cone of material. The anchors provide at least3,000 pounds of holding force at each insertion point. After the anchorsare selected, the anchors are spaced approximately every twenty-four tothirty inches. In one embodiment, at least twenty to twenty-nine anchorsare inserted per one hundred square feet.

Then, a layer of mesh is placed within an excavated site. The mesh maycomprise raschel polypropylene knotless netting (or comparableequivalent), 3 mm high tenacity (rip resistant), 1½″ mesh opening, withUV stabilization, or may comprise polyethylene or coir fiber. Thenetting can be biodegradable or in a preferred embodiment isnon-photodegradable. In some embodiments, the mesh opening can rangefrom ½″ to 7″. Next, at least one layer of coir fabric is placed overthe mesh. In some embodiments, two layers of seven hundred gram (orheavier) coir fabric is layered over the mesh. In some embodiments, oneor two layers of 700-gram woven coir fabric encased by high tenacity(rip resistant) polypropylene synthetic mesh comprise a soil lift.

Coir fiber rolls are then arranged in the site relative to the shorelineand connected within the soil lifts. A coir fiber roll may be a 20″diameter by 10′ long, measured at a nine pound per cubic foot density,comprised of a mattress of inner coir fibers encased in a UV stabilizedsynthetic polypropylene mesh. Alternatively, the coir fiber roll may bea mattress of inner coir fibers encased in a 100% biodegradable coirrope mesh.

Next the anchor cables are passed through the mesh, the layer of coirfabric, the plurality of coir fiber rolls, and the soil lifts. Passingthe anchors through the mesh, coir fabric, fiber rolls, and soil liftsof the apparatus overlaps the frustum cone of each anchor with the mesh,coir fabric, fiber rolls, and soil lifts, sharing the loads of eachanchor with the mesh, coir fabric, fiber rolls, and soil lifts of theapparatus. Such an overlap provides for stronger reinforcement of thearea within the frustum cone of each anchor.

Then the mesh and the coir fabric are folded over the coir fiber rollsand soil lifts. In an embodiment, the number of coir fiber rolls in theapparatus and the number of coir fiber rolls covered by the mesh aredetermined by specific design criteria varying with each installationsite. In an embodiment, the mesh is installed as each lift isconstructed. The completed series of coir fiber rolls and soil lifts maybe referred to as a protection array.

The cables are then tightened and fastened to the coir fiber rolls. Insome embodiments, each cable is tightened and fastened with a crimp. Infurther embodiments, the crimps are zinc plated copper crimps. Thecrimps may be attached an end of the cable opposite the end of theanchor comprising the anchor surface area.

In some embodiments, after the cables are fastened at least one coirfiber roll is filled with plant material as described above. Next atleast one biodegradable erosion control blanket is installed and securedwith posts inserted along at least a first fiber roll as describedabove. A first trench is excavated at a highest end of the apparatus anda second trench is excavated at a lowest end of the apparatus asdescribed above. The trenches are backfilled, seeded, and lightlymulched with sterilized, weed-free chopped straw or comparableequivalent mulch product.

FIG. 16A is a side view of an anchor cable system according to someembodiments. In some embodiments, anchors 1620 a are shared acrossmultiple coir fiber rolls 110. Multiple anchors 1620 a may share acable. Each cable is extended over at least one coir fiber roll 110. Forexample, two anchors 1620 a may share one cable that extends over twocoir fiber rolls 110. Each of the anchors 1620 a may be inserted betweentwo coir fiber rolls 110 or along the outer surface of the first or lastcoir fiber roll 110 in an array of coir fiber rolls 110. The cableshared between each anchor 1620 a is laid over the coir fiber rolls 110.In one exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 16A, a portion of anchors1620 a share a cable that extends over two inner coir fiber rolls 110and a portion of anchors 1620 a extends over on outer coir fiber roll1620 a.

FIG. 16B is a side view of an anchor cable system according to someembodiments. In some embodiments, each anchor 1620 b is connected to aconnecting cable 1621. The connecting cable 1621 extends over theplurality of fiber rolls 110. In some embodiments, the connecting cable1621 extends over the surface of the coir fiber rolls 110 adjacent tothe slope surface of the apparatus 100.

FIG. 17 is side view of an erosion control apparatus including helicalanchors, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the helicalanchors 1720′ connected to the bottom fiber roll 110 may be placed at adeeper depth than other helical anchors 1720 in the apparatus. Helicalanchors 1720′ may be placed at a depth between 42″ and 72″. The helicalanchors 1720′ may be referring to as “toe anchors.” The toe anchors1720′ may be the most seaward or bottom most anchors in the apparatus.In some embodiments, only the single most seaward anchor is referred toas the toe anchor 1720′.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include both helical and duckbillanchors 1720. The helical and duckbill anchors 1720 may alternate or bearranged in any suitable combination. In some embodiments, the toeanchor 1720′ is a helical anchor and the apparatus includes alternatinghelical and duckbill anchors 1720 starting from the helical toe anchor1720′.

Helical anchors can be used in locations where the soil lifts cannot beused due to limited space or in which the soil lifts may have a limitedsize or where a single lift is used behind a plurality of coir fabriccontainers. The soil lift cross-sectional shape and the coir fabriccontainer cross-sectional shape (e.g. circular, oval, square,rectangular) can be selected to match the site requirements.

Helical anchors may be advantageous as toe anchors because, as explainedbelow with regards to FIG. 18, a frustum cone created by a helicalanchor possesses more surface area as compared to a duckbill anchor. Thelarger surface area results in a stronger frustum cone in thesurrounding wet sand. In some embodiments, a helical toe anchor 1720′ isplaced into sand before placement of the fiber rolls 1710.

The apparatus may include elements discussed above in regards to otherdepicted embodiments such as plant material 170. The apparatus may alsoinclude additional elements such as matrix 1750, including about 50%cobblestone, about 25% coir fiber and compost, and about 25% sedimentencased in layers of coir fiber and jute-burlap. The apparatus may alsoinclude a marsh installation 1790 including cobblestones encased inlayers of coir fiber and jute-burlap. Voids between the cobblestones maybe filled with sediment. In some embodiments, the matrix 1750, the marshinstallation 1790, or both, include cobblestones encased in two layersof coir fiber. In some embodiments, the matrix 1750, the marshinstallation 1790, or both, include cobblestones encased in a singlelayer of jute-burlap. In some embodiments, the matrix 1750, the marshinstallation 1790, or both, include cobblestones encased in two layersof coir fiber and a single layer of jute-burlap. In some embodiments, asingle layer of jute-burlap weighs 20 ounces. In some embodiments, thecobblestones range between 8″ to 12″ in length.

FIG. 18 is a side view of an inserted helical anchor according to someembodiments. The helical anchors 1720 of the apparatus may be Tripleye®anchors available from MacLean Power Systems in Franklin Park, Ill., orother sources wherein the anchors have a helical surface 1821 with adiameter of at least four inches, optionally six inches. The helicalanchors 1720 can include a rod 1816 sixty-six inches in length and ¾ ofan inch in diameter. The helical anchor 1720 creates a frustum cone 1826with a surface area ranging from about 90 square inches to 220 squareinches. In some embodiments, the surface area of the frustum cone 1826is about 156 inches. In some embodiments, the surface area of thefrustum cone 1826 of the helical anchor 1720 is greater than that of aduckbill anchor of equal length. Each helical anchor 1720 may exhibit aholding capacity ranging from 2500-6500 pounds per kiloNewton wheninstalled in the apparatus. The helix can have one or more ridges ofthreading extending along the central rod. More ridges increases thesurface area of the helical anchor and thereby increases the holdingforce. The plurality of ridges can have a uniform or tapering diameter.

In some embodiments, the anchoring system of the apparatus furthercomprises zinc-coated copper crimps 1817. The crimps are used to form aloop 1818 in each anchor 1720. Loops 1818 may be welded near the top ofeach helical anchor 1720. In some embodiments, the loops 1818 are weldedbetween 12″ to 16″ from the lower surface of the fiber roll 110connected to the helical anchor 1720. The loop structure of the helicalanchor 1720 is easier to repair and tighten than the loop of a duckbillanchor 1720 due to the placement of the loop 1818.

FIG. 19 is a side view of an erosion control apparatus including onefiber roll, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, anapparatus may include one coir fiber roll 1910. The coir fiber roll 1910may be either high density (9 lb/ft³ coir fabric) or low density (7lb/ft³ coir fabric). In some embodiments, the coir fiber roll 1910 islow density. The coir fiber roll 1910 may be encased in a mesh composedof either natural or synthetic material as described above. The coirfiber roll 1910 may be pre-vegetated with any vegetation with suitableroots for securing the apparatus from erosion. The vegetation may benative planting appropriate to the site conditions, capable of growingquickly and stabilizing the landform.

The coir fiber roll 1910 is anchored with the use of anchors 1920. Insome embodiments, the anchors 1920 are duckbill anchors or can behelical anchors as described herein. The anchors 1920 are inserted at aspecified depth into the soil. In some embodiments, the specified depthmay be in a range of thirty to fifty inches. In some embodiments, thespecified depth may be in a range of thirty to ninety inches. In otherembodiments, the anchors 1920 are embedded into the soil at, or justabove, the soil surface.

The anchors 1920 are inserted around the coir fiber roll 1910 such thata cable 1916 connecting a set of at least two anchors 120 is situatedacross a face of the coir fiber roll 1910. In some embodiments, multiplecables 1916 extend from a top point of the coir fiber roll 1910. Eachcable 1916 is coupled to the coir fiber roll 1910 with a crimp 1917. Thecrimp 1917 tightens and fastens the cable 1916. In some embodiments, thecrimp 1917 is a zinc plated copper crimp. In some embodiments, ends ofthe cables 1916 connected to a crimp 1917 are looped.

Each coir fiber roll 1910 is connected to a soil lift 1930. Each soillift 1930 comprises at least three layers of coir fabric containingsediment 1950. In some embodiments, the sediment 1950 is sand. Thesediment 1950 is arranged within the soil lift 1930 at a grade.

The apparatus further includes an erosion control blanket 1980. In someembodiments, the blanket 1980 is a single layer of coir fabric. Infurther embodiments, the blanket 1980 is a 700-gram or a 900-gram wovencoir fabric. The blanket 1980 is biodegradable and may degrade overapproximately a three year period. The blanket 1980 may be secured withat least one stake 1935. The at least one stake 1935 may be driventhrough the blanket 1980 and the soil lift 1930 into the soil, driventhrough the blanket 1980 and partially driven into the soil lift 1930from a top surface of the soil lift 1930, or a combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the at least one stake 1935 is a wooden stake. In someembodiments, the blanket 1980 is further secured by the anchors 1920.

In some embodiments, at least one stone 1990 is disposed between thecoir fiber roll 1930 and the shoreline. The at least one stone 1990 maybe one or more stones excavated from an installation site and depositedin or on the soil after installation of the coir fiber roll 1910 and thesoil lift 1930.

The combination of the coir fiber roll 1910 and the soil lift 1930 maybe replicated and installed in series along a shoreline. The totalcombination of coir fiber rolls 1910 and soil lifts 1930 may be referredto as a protection array, configured to protect the shoreline. Theprotection array may be combined with the planting of vegetation.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, and 20F are side views depicting theinstallation of a connecting cable threaded through a plurality ofcables in an erosion control apparatus according to some embodiments. Aconnecting cable threaded in such a manner may be referred to as a whipcable. The connecting cables serve to harness the adjacent rollstogether so that each roll abuts one or more adjacent rolls tosubstantially reduce water intrusion between the rolls. As fiber rollscan be more buoyant than synthetic materials, the tensioned harnessingof the rolls together reduces or eliminates this issue.

FIG. 20A depicts the installation of a lowest anchor 2020 attached to athreaded whip cable 2019. The lowest anchor 2020 is inserted adjacent tothe lowest coir fiber roll 2010. The threaded whip cable 2019 isthreaded in such a manner to connect a plurality of fiber rolls orcontainers in the array together to form an integrated array structure.This further reduces water intrusion and erosion of sediment through thearray.

FIG. 20B depicts threading the whip cable 2019 through the loops 2018 ofanchor cables 2016. After the whip cable 2019 is threaded through theloops 2018, the anchors 2020 are driven into the soil. FIG. 20C depictsthe anchors 2020 after having been driven into the soil. The loop 2018of the highest anchor cable 2016 remains exposed after driving theanchors 2020. At this stage of installation, the threaded whip cable2019 remains loose, i.e. is not fully tensioned.

FIG. 20D depicts how tension is applied to the threaded whip cable 2019.The threaded whip cable 2019 is tensioned, starting from the lowest coirfiber roll 2010, by pulling the threaded whip cable 2019 at about a 90degree angle until the anchor cable 2016 below the coir fiber roll 2010is abutting against the coir fiber roll 2010. This operation is repeatedat each subsequent coir fiber roll 2010 moving up the array. FIG. 20Ddepicts an exemplary numbered sequence for this operation. FIG. 20D alsoprovides a close-up view of the threaded whip cable 2019 tensioned whilein a loop 2018.

FIG. 20E depicts the threaded whip cable 2019 pulled through the loop2018 of the highest anchor cable 2016. As depicted in the close up viewof FIG. 20E, tension is applied to the threaded whip cable 2019 totighten the threaded whip cable 2019. After tension is applied, thethreaded whip cable 2019 is held in place with a crimp 2017 as depictedin the close up view FIG. 20F. In some embodiments, the crimp 2017 maybe a zinc plated copper crimp. A threaded whip cable 2019 may beinstalled at intervals across an apparatus. In some embodiments, athreaded whip cable 2019 is installed about at every 2-3 feet across theface of a fiber roll array.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of this disclosure. Itis intended that the specification and examples be considered asexemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosed devicesand methods being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An erosion control apparatus comprising: aplurality of fiber rolls, wherein the fiber rolls are arranged relativeto a slope adjacent to a shoreline; a plurality of anchors, each anchorcomprising a cable, each cable extending from one or more fiber rolls toa depth into the slope, a most seaward anchor inserted at a deeper depththan other anchors of the plurality of anchors; a connecting cableharnessing together the plurality of fiber rolls; and a fill materialpositioned between the fiber rolls and the anchor points, at least aportion of the plurality of fiber rolls and the fill material beingpositioned over the anchor points.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereineach cable extends from inside a fiber roll.
 3. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a plurality of crimps, each crimp securing a cableto a fiber roll.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each crimp forms aloop in a cable.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each loop iswelded at a point below a fiber roll.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, theanchors being spaced at intervals across each fiber roll, each intervalhaving a length in a range of 24 inches to 96 inches.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the anchors are inserted at a depth of at least 42inches below a slope surface of the apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim1, wherein each anchor provides between at least 2,500 to 6,500 poundsof holding force through the cable.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a first trench located at a highest end of the apparatus; thetrench being backfilled, wherein the first trench is at least 6 incheswide and at least 6 inches deep.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, whereinthe trench is covered with sand or soil.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising plant material positioned on or within at least onefiber roll.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mesh thatcovers at least one of the fiber rolls.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising at least one erosion control blanket, wherein theblanket comprises a biodegradable material.
 14. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a marsh installation placed seaward of a firstfiber roll of the apparatus relative to the shoreline, wherein the marshinstallation comprises a plurality of cobblestones wrapped in coirfiber.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fill material comprisesa soil lift coupled to at least one fiber roll.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the soil lift comprises at least one layer of coirfabric that retains sediment.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein eachanchor includes a duckbill anchor or a helical anchor.
 18. The apparatusof claim 16, wherein the most seaward anchor is a helical anchor. 19.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each cable is coupled to a pluralityof rolls.
 20. A method of installing an erosion control apparatuscomprising: arranging a plurality of fiber rolls relative to a pluralityof anchors; connecting the plurality of anchors to the plurality offiber rolls with one or more cables and a connecting cable harnessingtogether the plurality of fiber rolls, the anchors positioned at adepth, a most seaward anchor positioned at a deeper depth than the otheranchors of the plurality of anchors, wherein each cable passes through afill material.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein each anchor point isplaced in position before the fiber rolls are positioned.
 22. The methodof claim 20, further comprising securing a plurality of crimps, eachcrimp securing a cable to a fiber roll.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein each crimp forms a loop in a cable.
 24. The method of claim 23,wherein each loop is welded at a point blow a fiber roll.
 25. The methodof claim 20, further comprising inserting the plurality of anchors at atan interval, each interval can have a length in a range of 24 inches to96 inches.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising inserting theanchors at a depth of at least 42 inches below a slope surface of theapparatus.
 26. The method of claim 20, wherein each anchor providesbetween at least 2,500 to 6,500 pounds of holding force through thecable.
 27. The method of claim 20, further comprising installing a soillift comprising at least one layer of coir fabric.
 28. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising installing a marsh installation seaward ofa first fiber roll of the apparatus relative to the shoreline, whereinthe marsh installation comprises a plurality of cobblestones wrapped incoir fiber.